Mayor hires new PR consultant

AS the city reeled, Toowoomba Regional Council's main concerns appeared to be with its public image.

In the aftermath of the January 10 flash floods, Campaign Planning and Communication owner/operator Matt Grant was appointed public relations consultant, working with Mayor Peter Taylor.

That was despite the fact council already has a fully functioning corporate communications department.

Cr Taylor told The Chronicle Mr Grant, former WIN Television chief of staff in Toowoomba, assisted in dealing with the “massive” amount of media inquiries that inundated the council from around the world.

He said the demand was beyond the capabilities of council's corporate communications.

“We called on someone who could help co-ordinate responses,” Cr Taylor said.

“For example, how do I do 27 radio interviews all at once?

“It's simply not possible.”

Neither Cr Taylor nor Toowoomba Regional Council would release details about Mr Grant's contract except to say he was employed on a day-to-day basis and the appointment had been orchestrated by chief executive Ken Gouldthorp.

“The full elected council is involved in the appointment of its chief executive officer,” a council statement read.

“All appointments below this level are managed by the CEO or relevant delegated managers/supervisors.”